Ghanata Senior High School has emerged winner of the maiden Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ideathon Challenge on Air Pollution organised for Senior High Schools by the Breathe Accra Project.
Bole SHS took the 1st runner-up position, whilst Twene-Amanfo SHS and the Ghana National College grabbed the second and third runner-up positions respectively with Kpasenkye STEM placing fourth in the contest.
The participants from Bole SHS focused on converting waste papers into ethanol, aiming to tackle waste disposal challenges within their school. They argued that the common practice of disposing of or burning student waste papers releases toxic gases into the atmosphere, which in turn adds to air pollution. They advocated the sustainable alternative of turning paper waste into alcohol to lessen this.
Students of Ghanata SHS proposed to build wearable monitors that will alert people sensitive to air pollution, including asthmatics and individuals with cardiovascular diseases in polluted environments. This innovative device, they noted, is designed to trigger alerts when air pollution levels surpass a certain threshold, benefiting vulnerable populations such as the hearing-impaired.
Ghanata SHS further outlined plans to mitigate air pollution through the construction of Biochar and the development of electrostatic exhaust filters for vehicles. Their multifaceted approach underscores their commitment to addressing air quality issues and improving environmental health in their communities.
One of the SHS groups at the Challenge pitching their concept to enhance air quality
Twene-Amanfo SHS developed a concept of equipping billboards embedded with electrostatic precipitators to battle air pollution. According to them, the strategic placement of such billboards along roadsides, where vulnerable populations, particularly women and children were often exposed to high levels of air pollution would effectively reduce air pollution.
The students of Ghana National College indicated that their proposal focused on developing wearable and portable sensors using waste materials assembled from e-waste. Their approach aims to reduce costs by repurposing discarded electronic components thereby promoting sustainability in sensor production. Also, they outlined plans to construct do-it-yourself (DIY) sensors, further emphasizing their commitment to affordability and accessibility in addressing air quality monitoring challenges. Ghana National College's inventive solution demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and technological innovation.
After rigorous evaluation and thorough questioning by the judges, GHANATA SHS emerged as the victors with an impressive score of 84.4 points. Bole SHS and Twene Amanfo SHS shared the second position with equal scores of 77 points. Ghana National College and Kpasenkpe STEM SHS secured the fourth and fifth positions with scores of 73.2 and 72.6 points, respectively. To break the tie between Bole SHS and Twene Amanfo SHS, both schools participated in a quiz focused on community engagement. Bole SHS secured the first runner-up position by earning an additional 9 points, while Twene Amanfo SHS became the second runner-up with an additional 7 points.
The competition showcased the innovative ideas and dedication of all participating schools to addressing air quality challenges, with GHANATA SHS ultimately crowned winner. Following the competition, each participating school was honoured with a certificate of participation, recognising their contribution to the event. Additionally, the first and second runners-up were awarded plaques along with a cash prize of GHS 1000 each.
GHANATA SHS, the winners of the competition, received a plaque and a cash prize of GHS 2000 in recognition of their outstanding performance and innovative solution. These awards served to celebrate the achievements of all participants and encourage continued dedication to addressing environmental challenges.
After the contest, an Associate Professor of Environmental and Nutritional Epidemiology at the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Kofi Amegah, who is also the Project lead for the Breathe Accra Project, said the brain behind the challenge was innovative, timely, thoughtful, and required adequate funding.
He said the competition was designed to inspire students to devise innovative solutions using low-cost sensor data to address air pollution within their communities.
Prof. Kofi Amegah speaking at the Challenge
According to him, the proposals demonstrated the commitment of all the schools towards addressing air quality issues and improving environmental health in their communities.
For her part, Miss Emily Fertik, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy in Ghana, while highlighting the importance of engaging young people through STEM, said the US was committed to supporting air quality work in Africa.
The event brought together scientists and students.
A group shot of participants after the Challenge
About the Breathe Accra Project
This is a community-driven project which aims at enhancing the air quality in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). In addition, the project seeks to address the worsening air pollution problem in GAMA and its impact on public health, and also identify the vulnerable populations for targeted intervention.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC